Many would remember the video produced by the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) entitled "If Saliva were Red". This resource was widely used to demonstrate the extent of pathogenic contamination within the dental setting. OSAP is a US based dental membership association for oral health care professionals that focuses exclusively on dental infection prevention and patient and provider safety.
OSAP’s famous “If Saliva Were Red” video demonstrated how easily an operatory can become contaminated during common procedures and was a popular teaching resource, however, the video was originally filmed in 2002 and for years, was only officially accessible through purchasing a DVD.
At their annual Dental Infection Control Boot Camp on Monday, January 23, OSAP (USA) premiered the updated and revamped version of their video, shot for a modern audience and—critically—now freely accessible on OSAP’s website :
https://www.osap.org/if-saliva-were-red
This is 5-minute digital video that uses real dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) to highlight:
common dental infection control and safety flaws,
the cross-contamination DHCP would see if saliva were red, and
how controlling contamination by using personal barrier protection, safe work practices, and effective infection control products, reduces the risk of exposure.
OSAP also developed a facilitator’s guide to help facilitators, educators, consultants, and others “tell the story” of what’s being shown in the video. The guide includes important resources and a checklist of the elements of a comprehensive infection control training program.
This is an excellent resource for your next staff professional development meeting!!